Escape to Paradise: Banton Puksabay's Chonburi Bliss Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Banton Puksabay's Chonburi Bliss Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Banton Puksabay's Chonburi Bliss Awaits! – A Review (with a Splash of Real Life!)
Alright, buckle up, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the supposed paradise of Banton Puksabay in Chonburi! I just got back, and trust me, my brain is still swimming in tropical vibes, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta… well, let’s get to it. This ain't your generic travel blog fluff piece. This is real.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Gauntlet… and a Surprisingly Good Elevator!
Okay, let's be real. I’m not exactly Mr. Wheelchair-Bound, but I do appreciate a place that thinks about accessibility. And Banton Puksabay? Mixed bag. The website (which, let’s be honest, is the first impression these days) boasted "Facilities for Disabled Guests," and that’s… technically true. The main entrance? Ramped. The lobby? Spacious enough. The elevator? Thank GOD for the elevator! It felt, dare I say, pretty good, though I didn't go around testing, just to be safe.
Accessibility: The ramps and elevators were good. Getting around the main areas was relatively easy for someone in a wheelchair. However, navigating the gardens between buildings might be a struggle.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Didn’t check personally.
Wheelchair Accessible: Some areas are better than others.
The Digital Dojo: Internet Access & Wi-Fi – Bless the Gods!
Oh, the internet. We all need it. Banton Puksabay gets it. FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked. I mean, it wasn't lightning fast, but it was enough to stream my guilty pleasure, trashy reality TV, while lounging in my robe and ordering… well, we’ll get to the ordering later. Internet Access: Good Internet [LAN]: Available. Internet Services: Good in-room Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Worked fine
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Found? (Almost!)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. The website promised a whirlwind of relaxation and adventure. I'm a sucker for a good spa day, so I was most keen on that. So, let's break it down:
- Body Scrub: Meh. Standard.
- Body Wrap: Better than meh. My skin genuinely felt amazing after I got one, though.
- Fitness Center: Yep, they've got one. Did I go? Let's just say the pool bar called me. Fitness center is just a gym.
- Foot bath: Never encountered.
- Gym/Fitness: See above.
- Massage: Alright, this was the highlight. I got the Thai massage, and it was intense but fantastic. I almost regretted it the next day, but after I got over myself, I was happy.
- Pool with View: YES! The infinity pool! The view was incredible. I spent a good chunk of my time there. The pool itself was nice.
- Sauna: Didn't see.
- Spa: Actually very good.
- Spa/Sauna: Not there.
- Steamroom: Didn't use, but saw.
- Swimming Pool: Loved this.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: More of it!
This place clearly encourages everyone to loosen the tie and relax, which is something I can truly get behind.
Anecdote Time! - The Massages!!
The masseuse was this lovely woman. She was so small and frail-looking. But wow. I mean, she knew her stuff. It felt like my body was being rearranged. It was like a car wash. I spent a lot of the time trying not to laugh, shout, or cry - but in a good way, you know? This woman was an ARTIST. The next day I was a little stiff, but I was just smiling all day. It was that good.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Germ-Busting Brigade
Look, after the past couple of years, we're all obsessed with cleanliness. Banton Puksabay seems to get this. They had all the right buzzwords going on.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - Good!
- Breakfast in room: Yes!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Yes!
- Cashless payment service: Excellent.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Appreciated.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good for sure. Didn't need.
- First aid kit: Always helpful.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good.
- Hygiene certification: Good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly enforced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seems so!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Didn't ask.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Nice.
- Safe dining setup: Seemed legit.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good.
- Shared stationery removed: Ok.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed so.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food… and Maybe Avoid the Buffet?
Okay, the food situation. This one is… complicated. They had everything you'd expect:
- A la carte in restaurant: Didn't try.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes!
- Asian breakfast: Tasty
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Very nice.
- Bar: YES! The poolside bar saved my life.
- Bottle of water: Free and refilled daily.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I'm not a fan of buffets in general. This one was okay.
- Breakfast service: See buffet.
- Buffet in restaurant: See above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Fine.
- Coffee shop: Nice
- Desserts in restaurant: Good.
- Happy hour: Excellent.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Good
- Poolside bar: Life saving.
- Restaurants: There are a few.
- Room service [24-hour]: Good.
- Salad in restaurant: Fine.
- Snack bar: I ate all the fries.
- Soup in restaurant: Good.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Ok.
- Western breakfast: Ok.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Ok.
The Poolside Bar: More Anecdotes!!
Okay, the poolside bar. This is where I spent approximately 80% of my time. The staff were lovely. They remembered my (very specific) drink order after the second day, and that, my friends, is service. I even overheard a couple arguing over the price of a cocktail (it was fine, guys, relax!). The food from the snack bar was… well, as you'd expect from a poolside snack bar. But, when I tell you that I ate so many fries, I'm not speaking a lie. I sat there in the sun, feeling zero shame. It's a moment I plan to relive over and over again.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've got the standard stuff:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
**For the Kids: Did I See Any? (Thankfully, No
Escape to Nirvana: Siddhartha Cottage Awaits in Butwal, Nepal
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's cruise itinerary. We're ditching the perfectly-timed photo ops and plunging headfirst into the glorious chaos of Banton Puksabay, a place that, just from the name, screams "chill vibes only." So, here's the rough plan for my little Chonburi escape. Don't expect perfection, expect…adventure. And maybe a sunburn.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mango Sticky Rice Quest (aka, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
Morning (or, what felt like morning after a sleepless flight): Land in Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Sweet merciful Buddha, the crowds! Like, a sea of people. Finding that taxi stand felt like navigating a maze designed by a sadist. Finally, finally, I escape, the air thick with humidity and the promise of… something. Hoping the taxi driver knows where Banton Puksabay even IS. He seems to. Good sign. Also, pro-tip: bring snacks. Plane food? I'd rather eat my shoe.
Afternoon (aka, The Hangry Phase): Arrive at Banton Puksabay. OMG, the place is adorable. Like, postcard-perfect bungalows nestled amongst lush greenery. And the air…it actually smells GOOD. Fresh, floral… the kind of air that makes you instantly want to throw off your travel clothes and fall into a hammock. I try, but first… hunger. The Great Mango Sticky Rice Quest begins! First, a frantic search for WiFi to get to the closest restaurant.
Late Afternoon/Evening (aka, Mango Sticky Rice Nirvana and a Mild Panic Attack): Found a local place. It looked legit. Ordered the mango sticky rice. And… bam. Pure, unadulterated heaven. Sticky rice perfectly cooked, sweet mango, creamy coconut milk… I could have wept with happiness. Seriously, best thing I've eaten in ages. As the sun begins to set, however, the jet lag finally comes to claim me. I try to stroll around the property, taking photos of everything. But my legs feel wobbly and suddenly I am overcome with a small panic attack. Did I pack enough sunscreen? What if I get sick? What if I miss my flight back? Breathe. Sip some iced tea. Remember the mango sticky rice. Everything is going to be alright, you drama queen. Early to bed (and hopefully to stay).
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Bookworming and the Mystery of the Missing Mosquito Net
Morning (aka, Finally Awake!): Sunshine! Birds chirping! And a distinct lack of mosquito net. WTF?! Seriously?! I spent a good half hour trying to navigate the Thai-English translation of the bungalow staff. “Net? No, not net. Where? Why?” It was a comedy of errors, but eventually, they promised to address the missing net situation. I then decide to walk down to the beach. The sand is unbelievably soft, the water a gorgeous turquoise. I spend the morning swimming, napping in the sun (with copious amounts of sunscreen!), and generally feeling like a pampered sloth.
Afternoon (aka, Beach Read and a Potential Disaster): I find a shady spot under a palm tree and settle in with a trashy romance novel I snagged at the airport. The salty air, the gentle breeze, the distant sound of the waves… pure bliss. Then, a dark, ominous cloud started rolling in. It looked like the sky was about to open up and wash the entire beach away. I scramble for my bag, my book, my towel… a full-blown panic! Turns out, it was just a bit of a shower. Five minutes and it was gone! But I felt like a fool, soaking wet under a suddenly sunny sky.
Late Afternoon/Evening (aka, The Mosquito Net Saga Continues…and Curry!): Still no mosquito net. Turns out, the staff is adorable, but they have the organizational skills of a caffeinated squirrel. I give up and decide to embrace the potential bug bites. For dinner, I try the Massaman curry at the hotel restaurant. Oh. My. God. The flavors! The spices! The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef! Worth every single mosquito bite (which, thankfully, weren't too bad). I sit on my balcony, watching the stars come out, and tell myself its going to be okay.
Day 3: Wat Chong Lom, Local Vibes and the Questionable Delights of Durian
Morning (aka, Temple Time and Trying Not to Sweat): I'm a sucker for temples. So, I get a tuk-tuk to Wat Chong Lom, a local temple. The gold! The intricate carvings! The sheer sense of tranquility! I spend a while wandering the grounds, feeling a surprising sense of peace. I keep trying to take Instagram-worthy photos, but the humidity is a weapon, making my ponytail stick to the back of my neck.
Afternoon (aka, Into the Local Markets… with Caution): I brave the local market which is filled with more smells, more food, and a whole lot more people. I manage to buy some trinkets and maybe, just maybe, try something that's not Pad Thai. I stumble upon the durian market. I have heard LEGENDS about how revolting durian smells. Intrigued and terrified, I tentatively approach a stall. The smell… it's… overwhelming. Like a garbage dump mixed with gym socks and something vaguely floral. I take a deep breath, wincing, and decide to be adventurous. I get a small portion, and take a bite. The texture is like custard. The taste? It's not terrible, but I don't think I'd eat it again…
Late Afternoon/Evening (aka, Sunset and Reflections… and a Little Bit of Regret): Back at Banton Puksabay so I can watch a beautiful sunset by the beach. The sky explodes with color. The waves are a rhythmic lullaby. Everything feels right. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. And I'm filled with a sudden, irrational urge to call my mom and tell her all the things I didn't tell her. I sit and wonder how long I can stay. What is the cost of this peace? I could stay here for months.
Day 4: Departure, Reflections, and the Never-Ending Quest for Mango Sticky Rice
- Morning (aka, The Farewell Brunch of Champions): One last breakfast at Banton Puksabay. I eat extra mango slices, paying a last tribute to the god of mango sticky rice. I wish I could've stayed longer. I wish I had seen and experienced more.
- Afternoon/Evening (aka, The Long Journey Home and the Promise of Mango): Back to the airport. Back to the crowds. Back to reality. But as the plane takes off, I close my eyes and the taste of mango sticky rice and the sun setting in the Thai jungle are burned into my memory. And I know, I'll be back. I'm already planning my next trip. This time, I vow to master the art of durian appreciation…maybe.
So, there you have it. My disorganized, emotionally charged, and completely imperfect journey through Banton Puksabay. It wasn't perfect, but it was definitely mine. And that, my friends, is what makes it an adventure.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Euro Asia Hotel, Samarkand!
Escape to Paradise: Banton Puksabay's Chonburi Bliss Awaits! - (Or Maybe Not... Let's See!)
Okay, seriously, what *is* this "Banton Puksabay" you keep going on about? Is it actual paradise? Because I've been promised paradise before... and ended up with a leaky tent and a mosquito-infested swamp.
Alright, deep breath. Banton Puksabay is a... well, it's essentially a collection of beaches, resorts, and a whole lotta "beach vibes" in Chonburi, Thailand. Think turquoise water, maybe a hammock or two, potentially some delicious seafood if the fish gods are smiling on you. Is it *actual* paradise? That depends. My initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated squeals of joy when I saw the pictures online. The reality? Still pretty darn good, mostly. But let's be real, picture-perfect glossy brochures *always* lie a little, right? Like, the sand might be *slightly* coarser than advertised. And the "gentle sea breeze" sometimes turns into a full-blown wind tunnel. But hey, it's Thailand. You're surrounded by delicious food, friendly people, and a chance to actually switch off. That counts for a lot. Mostly.
How do I even *get* there? Because navigating airport customs after a 14-hour flight is already pushing my limits. Is it a secret island guarded by grumpy monkeys?
Getting to Banton Puksabay is, thankfully, not a mission of the gods. You'll likely fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, you've got a few options.
Honestly, the airport is a beast, and I'd happily pay someone to whisk me through customs on a magic carpet. But alas...
1. Private Car/Taxi: Easiest but pricier. They'll take you straight to your resort. Be prepared for the Bangkok traffic tango. It's a dance of horns and near misses that'll add years to your life...or life to your stress. Negotiate the price *before* you get in. Trust me on this one.
2. Public Transportation - Bus/Train/Local Taxi Combo: Adventure time! Cheaper, but takes longer. Requires a bit of planning. You could take the train or bus to a nearby town, and then grab a taxi or songthaew (a converted pickup truck that serves as a bus) to your resort. This option is fine if you're up for a truly local experience. I, personally, lost my phone attempting this once and ended up with a lovely Thai woman trying to explain to a gaggle of confused taxi drivers where my friend had been. Chaotic to say the least.
3. Pre-booked Transfer: Some resorts offer airport transfers. This, for me, offers the best of both worlds – and it's often worth the extra cost. It'll make you feel like a VIP, and sometimes, after that flight, you *need* to feel like a VIP. Worth the money IMO.
The food. Tell me about the *food*. Am I going to starve? Is it all just Pad Thai? My stomach is a sensitive beast.
Oh, the food! This is where Banton Puksabay – and Thailand in general – *absolutely* shines. You are *not* going to starve. Unless you have some extreme dietary restrictions, you're going to be in heaven. Seriously. The street food? Incredible. The seafood? Divine. And yes, you'll find Pad Thai, which is just fine by me. It's like comfort food you could eat every day. Then there's fresh fruit – mango sticky rice, a revelation. I might faint just thinking about it. And don't even get me started on the curries...Oh god, the Curries. The flavors! The spices! My mouth is watering just typing this. Be warned, though. Ask for "mai phet" (not spicy) unless you like your taste buds to be on fire. That goes double if your stomach is a delicate flower. Actually, maybe triple. I learned this the hard way... (Let's just say I befriended the toilet for a day. Not fun.) But even with the occasional spice-induced drama, the food experience alone is worth the trip.
Are the beaches actually beautiful? Like, postcard-worthy beautiful? Because I need to get good photos, obviously.
Okay, let's talk beaches. Yes, Banton Puksabay's beaches are generally pretty darn beautiful. Picture this: Soft, white sand. Azure water. Palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. It's pretty much what you dream of. However, *again*, let's keep it real. Sometimes the tide brings in a bit of seaweed. Sometimes there are more people around than your ideal picture. And don't forget the occasional rogue plastic bottle bobbing along. You're not going to get *every* beach day exactly as it's portrayed on those gorgeous Instagram feeds. But, the vast majority of the time, you'll look at the water and think, "Wow, this is bloody amazing." Find a hidden cove, soak up some sun, and then go crazy with your camera. You'll get some killer shots. I guarantee it. Oh, and, bring reef-safe sunscreen. Trust me, your skin and the coral will thank you.
What's there to *do* besides lie on the beach and eat? I'm not exactly a "sit still and do nothing" kind of person.
Okay, beach-bum life isn't for everyone. Fear not, restless souls! Banton Puksabay has options! Here's a little taste:
- Watersports: Jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, the whole shebang. Just be careful on those jet skis. They look fun but can be *terrifying* if you're not used to them. I nearly capsized... twice.
- Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to explore nearby islands. Think hidden lagoons and more beaches!
- Scuba Diving/Snorkelling: Explore the underwater world. The coral reefs are vibrant (though sometimes a bit crowded with tourists).
- Massages: Because, Thailand! Seriously, get a massage. It's pure bliss. And often ridiculously cheap!
- Temples/Cultural Sites: Explore some of the local temples and learn about Thai culture. Prepare to be humbled by the sheer beauty and history.
- Night markets: Eat, drink, shop, and people-watch. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Is it safe? Should I be worried about anything? I get anxious easily.
Generally, yes, Banton Puksabay and Thailand are safe for tourists. However, you always need to be aware of your surroundings. Here's some practical advice:
- Petty Theft: Like anywhere, petty theft can be a problem. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. I once had my bag *almost* snatched by a sneaky motorcycle riderSearchotelBanton Puksabay บ้านต้น พักสบาย Chonburi Thailand
Banton Puksabay บ้านต้น พักสบาย Chonburi Thailand
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Banton Puksabay's Chonburi Bliss Awaits!"